Derby's Story
Derby Ozioma Chukwudi is current Miss New Jersey USA 2023 and a 1st generation Nigerian-American born in Dallas, TX, raised in Lagos, Nigeria, and now resides in Hoboken, New Jersey.
I Am on a mission to inspire the next generation of leaders
On September 29, she placed Top 20 at the 72nd Miss USA competition in Reno, Nevada. She is on a mission to inspire the next generation of leaders by leveraging her multi-talented background, encompassing communication, strategy, pageantry, financial education, and community development. Derby is excited to reach several communities across New Jersey and spread awareness about financial education. She is passionate about advocating for financial literacy among young people to prepare them for a future of financial freedom and choices. Broadly, she believes everyone should dream and dream BIG – she is excited to continue empowering people and reminding them that their dreams are valid.
She invests her time in volunteering within her community, mentoring young adults, and empowering people, reminding them that their dreams are valid. Derby has been named Finalist for the “She Inspires Awards” and “Lead5050 Awards” for 2023. In 2022, Derby was named a Women of Inspiration Award Finalist – the Women of Inspiration Award recognizes the achievement of women who lead, inspire, and motivate. In 2018, she was selected as one of the Forbes 30 Under 30 Scholars. Derby continues to be an agent of positive change while impacting the lives of everyone she interacts with.
I Am a member of the Global Investment Strategy Team at JPMorgan Private Bank in Midtown, New York.
Prior to this role, she worked at the New Jersey Private Bank alongside a team responsible for advising ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families, and foundations on various wealth management matters, including asset allocation and investment portfolio construction, lending, and wealth transfer planning. Derby joined J.P. Morgan in 2018 as a Summer Analyst and returned full-time in 2019 after graduating with her undergraduate degrees.
Derby graduated cum laude from Berea College with a BSc. Degree in Business Administration and B.A. degree in Economics. She has also been featured on Yahoo Finance, Moneywise.com, Essence, JPMorgan, Women’s Wear Daily, Business Insider, and Bella Naija. Outside of work, she is an award-winning Toastmasters public speaker passionate about creating awareness for financial education.
On Exclusives with Afolasade
On Exclusives with Afolasade, you all get to experience a glimpse of the lives of exceptional African thought leaders who have forged their paths through hard work, leadership, resilience, and impact.
As I head into Miss USA prelims
As I head into Miss USA prelims in a few hours, I am trusting that God who has made it possible for me to be part of this incredible experience will complete in perfection all that He has started.
Spotify-themed recap of 2023!
What’s December without a Spotify-themed recap of 2023!
As I reflect on the past months, I can’t help but smile at the journey that unfolded.
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